New Brockton’s Sconyers honored at banquet as regional winner

New Brockton was well-represented at this year's 31st annual Bryant-Jordan awards banquet hosted by the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Birmingham April 11, as Courtney Sconyers was up for the Bryant-Jordan achievement scholarship in Class 2A.

Sconyers was one of 104 regional winners in attendance that night up for a scholarship, as scholarships that added up to over $300,000 were awarded.

The winner of Class 2A’s District 3 area, Sconyers’ story was shared with members of the committee who are in charge of selecting winners.

“We knew about the achievement part of the Bryant-Jordan award scholarship,” said New Brockton football coach Justin Jones, who had a big part in Sconyers being selected as a regional winner.

“Both (New Brockton principal) Mr. (Gray) Harrison and myself both thought that Courtney was at least worth applying for the scholarship. We went through the requirements, and Mr. Harrison and myself put together an essay behalf of Courtney, going through his struggles. We talked to (his mother Amanda Sconyers) and got all of the details. We put that forth to the committee, and out of our region he was our achievement winner. Everyone loves him. Everyone appreciates what he stands for. I know, from a football program, all the other coaches love him. They think about his perseverance, how he never complained. He never wanted me to treat him different, or anybody different. That says a lot about who he is, and where that’s going to carry him in the future.”

Sconyers’ story is one of serious perseverance. He was born with both of his legs twisted and turned at birth, resulting in both of his legs never fully developing. However, that hasn’t halted him from being one of the most beloved athletes in the Gamecock community.

His strong will and lovable persona caught the eyes of former New Brockton coach Jim Bob Striplin, who encouraged Sconyers to come out and play football for the Gamecocks.

He obliged, and has been a mainstay for the varsity team ever since.

Sconyers’ story was shared amongst other student athletes that night who had also overcame improbable obstacles to be where they are today.

“I was excited about it. I was happy,” Sconyers said about attending and being a part of the banquet.

“It was fun to be here with all of the great (students). If I work hard enough, I can do about anything in life.”

The chance to attend and be apart of such a prestigious event is something Jones hopes Sconyers takes with him the rest of his life, and shares with up-and-coming students at New Brockton.

“For me, this is my first time coming to this event,” Jones said.

“I think Courtney can take this back to his younger teammates and classmates what a cool deal this is. You’re talking about a select few out of a whole lot of athletes across the state. For Courtney to be apart of that, and for New Brockton being a part of that, to me it’s pretty cool. It sets a precedent and a standard of what we want our kids to do.”